Sea Turtles!
Everyone loves Sea Turtles!
The most common Sea Turtle found in Southwest Florida is the Loggerhead turtle. These turtles can be seen diving in the Gulf and also on the beaches at night during nesting season (March 1st- October 31st.)
Even though these creatures can weigh from 155 lbs to 375 lbs, getting to that size is pretty rare. Statistics show that out of every 1000 sea turtle hatch-lings, only one will survive until breeding maturity.
The Loggerhead Sea turtle is listed as threatened at this time, but it is predicted that they will be put on the endangered, in danger of extinction, within the foreseeable future.
The greatest threat to these turtles is loss of nesting habitat due to coastal construction, predation of nests, and human disturbances, such as house lights and coastal developments that cause disorientation during the emergence of hatch lings.
Another major threat to sea turtles is pollution and long line fishing. Accidental captures in fisheries is thought to have played a significant role in the recent in the recent population declines.
To help with the restoration on the sea turtle populations you can
-Pick up any garbage on the beach when you visit
-Make sure to leave turtle nests alone until nesting season is over
-For coast dwellers, make sure you turn any porch or outdoor lighting off at night so baby sea turtles can find their way into the ocean.
- Educate your friends!
